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Behavioral Health
Behavioral health is an essential part of overall health. Over one quarter of Americans suffer from mental illness, affecting every other aspect of their lives - including their ability to learn and work productively, to relate positively to their families, and simply to enjoy life to its fullest. That is why I will fight for better behavioral healthcare when I am in Congress. Behavioral health problems are medical problems like any other, and they should be treated with the same level of research and study that other diseases are. I believe Congress should increase funding for research on mental health disorders and substance abuse. I will work to ensure that both biological and service system research is funded and will also work to ensure that the FDA has the resources it needs to adequately investigate the safety and efficacy of all new drugs. I believe that one of the most important steps we can take to improve the nation's health is to focus on improving mental healthcare for young people. Half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24. In Congress I will work hard to improve the behavioral health of our children by supporting measures that ensure school personnel are trained to recognize early signs of mental health and substance use disorders. I will also fight to find cures for most critical diseases and promote early diagnosis and treatment. |
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